The lock, stock and barrel were the three elements that comprised the early gun. They were all that was needed and consequently the phrase "lock, stock and barrel" came to mean just that i.e. all, everything, the totality. This hardware business in Hereford adopted the name because the proprietor wanted to draw the public's attention to the very wide range of goods on sale. So many, in fact, that they daily spill out of the shop onto the pavement and, with the home-made signage, give the exterior an old-fashioned, Victorian or early twentieth century, appearance. Look carefully and you will see that it is partially hiding the public litter bin. Furthermore, the hand tools on the extreme right extend, out of shot, in front of the adjoining (now closed) premises.
photo © T. Boughen Camera: Lumix FZ1000 2
